Congratulations! You and your partner have taken the first step towards forever by deciding to tie the knot. Your wedding day is an occasion that deserves to be nothing short of perfect—a beautiful reflection of your love and commitment to each other. As a wedding photographer in the stunning state of Colorado, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless extraordinary moments. In this blog post, I will share three essential strategies that can help you and your partner have the best wedding day ever.

Reflect Together About Your Values.

It’s so helpful if you and your partner can sit down together and discuss which things are important on your wedding day. When my wife Jenny and I got married, we thought it was important to invest in the things that would last past our wedding day.

For us, we wanted great photos, killer tacos, and for our guests to dance their faces off the whole night. That’s why we made sure to invest in a photographer whose work we loved, we hired our favorite food truck to cater the event, and we hired a DJ who ended up making the evening so special. Everyone was on the dance floor and we all had a blast.

When you reflect together about the values you share on your wedding day, you’re also articulating the things that are important to you. When you do that, it’s a little easier to be on the same page when you’re thinking how you want your day to look and feel. After all, the journey towards your wedding day is not only about planning the logistics but also about understanding each other’s values and priorities. Being on the same page during the wedding planning process can significantly impact the overall experience and strengthen your relationship.

Communication is Key. The first step in reflecting together about your values is open and honest communication. Sit down with your partner and have a heartfelt conversation about what matters most to each of you on your wedding day. Discuss your vision, preferences, and expectations to find common ground and ensure that both of you feel heard and understood.

Define Your Wedding Priorities. Next, identify the elements of your wedding that hold the most significance for you both. Whether it’s the venue, the guest list, the ceremony style, or the overall ambiance, knowing your priorities will guide your decision-making throughout the planning process. Remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love, and focusing on what truly matters to you as a couple will make the day more meaningful.

Incorporate Your Values into the Celebration. Once you have a clear understanding of your shared values, find creative ways to incorporate them into the wedding celebration. For example, if environmental conservation is important to you, consider choosing eco-friendly options for decor and favors. If you both love adventure, plan an outdoor ceremony against the backdrop of Colorado’s majestic mountains. By infusing your values into the day, your wedding will be a genuine representation of your relationship.

Hire the Right Team.

A few years ago, I photographed a wedding where the bride and groom didn’t quite fit with their day-of wedding coordinator, and it was very clear. What resulted was a day in which the couple found themselves continuously getting frustrated at anything the coordinator did. I kept feeling disappointed that the couple would have to look back on their day and remember that frustration instead of working with someone who wanted to make their day wonderful.

Your wedding team plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life. From wedding planners to photographers, surrounding yourselves with the right professionals can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Research & Interview Vendors. Take the time to research and interview potential vendors to ensure they align with your style and preferences. Look for testimonials from previous clients, review portfolios, and ask questions about their experience working in Colorado’s unique wedding environment. Building a strong rapport with your vendors will create a sense of trust and understanding, allowing them to capture the essence of your day flawlessly.

Enlist the Help of a Wedding Planner. Strongly consider finding room in your wedding budget for hiring a professional wedding planner. A skilled planner will not only take care of the logistics but also offer valuable advice and creative ideas to make your day even more special. They will act as a guiding hand, allowing you to relax and enjoy the wedding planning process without feeling overwhelmed.

Choose a Great Wedding Photographer. As a wedding photographer in Colorado, I can’t emphasize enough how essential it is to choose a passionate and experienced photographer. Your wedding photos will be cherished memories that you’ll revisit for years to come, so finding a photographer who can capture the emotions and beauty of your day is vital. Look for a photographer whose style resonates with you and someone who understands Colorado’s landscape.

Let the Day Unfold

Easier said than done, right? Hear me out, though. You’ve done all the planning and made sure everything is ready to go. If something happens on your wedding day that you didn’t intend to happen, usually the only thing you can do is keep a positive attitude and let the day unfold as it’s meant to.

Amidst all the planning and preparation, it’s crucial to remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love. Allowing the day to unfold naturally can lead to some of the most heartfelt and unforgettable moments.

Embrace Imperfections. No event, no matter how meticulously planned, is entirely free of hiccups. Embrace the imperfections and remember that they are what make your day uniquely yours. If the weather doesn’t cooperate or a minor mishap occurs, stay positive and focus on the joyous moments you are creating together.

Be Present and In the Moment. Amidst the whirlwind of excitement, take moments throughout the day to be present with your partner. Whether it’s stealing a quiet moment together during the reception or sharing a dance under the stars, cherish these intimate moments as they unfold.

Trust Your Team. Having hired the right team of professionals, trust in their abilities to execute the vision you’ve shared with them. Avoid micromanaging on the wedding day itself; instead, relax and enjoy the celebration knowing that you are in capable hands.

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and by reflecting together about your values, hiring the right team, and letting the day unfold naturally, you can create an extraordinary and memorable experience in the beautiful state of Colorado. Remember that this day is about the love you and your partner share, and with the right approach, it will undoubtedly be the best wedding day ever—one that you’ll cherish forever. Enjoy the journey, celebrate each moment, and embrace the magic of your love story on this momentous day.